Best NBA first basket scorer prop bets for today 3/12: Julius Randle gets the Knicks rolling

Germantas Kneita

NBA

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Like most Lithuanians, I started watching basketball from the age of six. I'm based out in London and played basketball at the University of Lincoln here in the UK. I had always had an interest in the NBA but things really took off in the summer of 2010. That year Linas Kleiza led Lithuania to 3rd place at the World Championships and signed with the Toronto Raptors to replace the departing Chris Bosh. I've been a Raptors fan since that day and I've not missed a game since. I've been handicapping games for more than a decade, specializing in player props.

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Updated: 12:41 PM ET March 12, 2023

There are 6 games on the NBA slate on Sunday to close out the week. The main event closes out the evening’s action as the New York Knicks visit the Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams have worked themselves into the playoff picture despite some early doubts. The focus for them both will be to avoid the play-in game. A win for either would go a long way to helping that to happen. You can find my pick for the first-basket scorer for that game below. And do not forget to check out the rest of our NBA picks for Sunday’s games too.

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Knicks vs Lakers first basket best bet: Julius Randle (+460)

Mitchell Robinson has been dominant at winning the opening tip over the last 10 games, failing to gain his team possession just once. Look for that streak to continue tonight against the Lakers. From there, look for Julius Randle to take charge. He has made the game’s opening field goal in 3 of his team’s last 10 games. He will likely be matched up against Jarred Vanderbilt tonight and the forward will be giving up a weight advantage to Randle. Do not be surprised to see the ball worked into the post for the Knicks star early. With Randle averaging 25.5 points per game this month, he should have the form to take full advantage of his size and convert.

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Nets vs Nuggets first basket best bet: Mikal Bridges (+650)

Nic Claxton will be jumping for the opening ball against Nikola Jokic in the Nets vs Nuggets game. Both have won 40% of the tip-offs in their last 10 games. Between the pair, Claxton has a clear advantage in terms of athleticism and he should be able to gain the ball for the Nets. Look for Mikal Bridges to be the first one to try to convert. Over the last 10 games, he has made the first shot for the Nets on 4 occasions, with 3 being the first in the game overall. With Nikola Jokic not providing much rim protection, Bridges could have success cutting to the rim. He is averaging 27.7 points per game in March, including a season best for a month in terms of free-throw attempts per game. Look for him to attack the inside early.

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